September 17, 2015

As of this writing, it has almost been a year since I became a patron at the Back Alley Barbershop in Salcedo, and when I found out that they were introducing a new concept at the Burgos Circle of BGC, I couldn't be happier. So when they invited me to visit, I jumped ship as soon as my hair grew three weeks later.

A wonderful view of the Golf Course while you wait!

The Ambiance

The Eight Forbes Town Road building where the barbershop is situated is the towering structure right across the Tipsy Pig at BGC. The J.CO donuts will be your marker to where the main entrance of the commercial space of the structure. As you go past the security check are two escalators that will lead you to the second floor, and conveniently where The Village Barber and Supply Shop is located.

The Design language and vibe of Village is on the minimal side. They primarily chose brown, copper and white colors that are mostly from a variety of wood and metals that compliment the thick glass that seperates the space from the outside. As a result, Village feels more relaxed and more refined. This is obvious because the space is smaller than Back Alley, but you never feel claustrophobic.

The attention to detail is what I find most appealing about this breed of Barbers!

The Haircut and The Other Services

For as long as I can remember, I was having my haircut at neighbourhood barbershops that were hole in the walls where a haircut was priced from Php 30.00 in the nineties and went up to Php 50.00 in recent years. In contrast, there are barbershops in Beverly Hills, California that offer haircuts that could cost up to a USD 1000.00 and I could never comprehend how this is so.

The haircut, the massage, the shave, the Fonzie and the Hungover Treament are the same top notch service that Back-Alley has bred through its run. The Barbers and the receptionists are open, you can make suggestions or changes to your trim depending on your preference.

So if you love Back-Alley and are nearer to Village then you now have an option that is more convenient to get to.

Complimentary Fresh Hand-Crafted Coffee!

The Price

Haircut starts at Php 350.00 but is priced at Php 700.00 together with the shave. The shave itself is Php 450.00. while the Hungover Treatment (HT) is priced at Php 750.00 individually but is priced at Php 950.00 with the haircut. If you want an HT and a shave, it will set you back Php 1000.00, and You can have all three for the price of Php 1200.00.

I personally tip my barber of the day and it is up to you if you would and how much you will be willing to give these fine gentlemen.

This is your Throne.

The Conclusion

This reminds me of the feeling I got when I first had my trim at Back-Alley, the feeling where I feel so manly pampered that I finally understood why the ladies love going to their salon for whatever reason. If I lived nearer to Village I would come back here every month for my trim, but I live near Back-Alley so I will remain there.

If you've never tried to have a real old-school haircut, I highly suggest you do. You do not know what you are missing. After all, we only like what we know.

September 12, 2015

Rice has been one of the staples of both Filipino and Japanese cuisine. In fact a lot of the delicacies that have become the local favorites have rice on it or are made of it. As a result, a lot of Japanese restaurants have been popping up locally. Chef Bruce Ricketts, regarded as one of the best local chefs for Japanese cuisine partnered with the moment group to unveil their next concept, Ooma, at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

I've heard about Chef Bruce from a variety of sources that tackle the wonderful talents of the food industry. In fact, I've always wanted to try Sensei Sushi at BF and Mecha Uma at BGC, but due to my responsibilities I would have limited time to schedule with my friends, and limited time to venture too far from where I reside.

Salmon Skin Aburi-Maki!

Situated at the third floor of SM Megamall's Mega fashion hall, 'Ooma' aims to serve absurdly delicious Japanese dishes at friendly prices for the majority. As I write this, the feeling of elation and satisfaction of his creations linger like an ex you wanted to move on from but can't.

SPOILERS: I had to quickly plan my next visit just to be sure of what had happened.

You will not stop!

The Ambiance

The third floor of the Mega Fashion hall has wonderful selection of restaurants like 8 cuts, rosanjin, and fireside. Ooma sits in the middle. As you reach the facade, you'll notice how busy the place is especially during lunch and dinner time.

At first glance Ooma reminds me of a busy modernised Japanese fish market with the warm lighting, and the aggregated noise from the conversation that brings it to life while accents like Japanese posters, rubber boots, wooden dividers, and Japanese man hole covers all add to the feel. What is missing though is the feeling and smell of dampness that comes with preserving the fishes and the seafood which is a great thing.

The Food

As I was left wondering what had happened on our first try at Ooma, I decided to return three weeks later to see if that absurdly delicious experience wasn't a fluke. True enough, I tried the other dishes that I missed and it was still the same. I can't get over that lingering taste in my mouth.

I can safely say that most of the dishes like the gyudon, the ebi tempura, the katsudon, the california taco maki, and the Salmon skin aburi maki are good, and there were ones that just left me speechless. These were the Spicy Lapu-lapu Taco Maki, the Tuna Scallops Aburi Maki, the Hanger Steak and the half-baked lava cake.

The Exceptional Spicy Lapu-lapu Taco Maki!

I got my chopsticks and picked up the Spicy Lapu-lapu and swallowed it whole! As it touched my tongue it exploded with flavor! The spicy kick of the kimchi, the fresh lapu-lapu and the aligue mayo rushed through my taste buds up to my brain and overloaded my senses that lead me to almost forgetting to close my mouth.

I agreed with my lovely friend when she said to forget about poise because the food was that good. I then tried the Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki. (Aburi meaning torched) It was the same, the flavors of tuna, scallop, kimchi aioli, teriyaki sauce and the cucumber just erupts in your mouth.

The Ebi Tempura surprisingly goes well with Aligue Mayo and Avocado Mousse!

The hanger steak on the other hand was an interesting concept. The beef is soft and tender but it is complimented by the ponzu butter, truffle oil and the crispy baby potatoes! We also tried the ebi tempura and surprisingly it goes well with the Aligue Mayo and Avocado mousse!

Although all of them were good, there were ones that didn't stand out as much and to my preference need a little refinement. The California Taco-Maki was wonderful but I felt that the mayo overpowered the rest of the ingredients which I think could be remedied while the Salmon Skin Aburi Maki didn't have anything that have it stood out. It's good, just not great.

I could go and and on on how great these dishes are but I highly suggest you try them out for yourselves.

"That is Simply Beautiful" - AB

For dessert, my friend went head on for the half-baked lava cake, and as soon as it came to us. The vanilla ice cream started to ooze down. The chocolate lava in the center followed suite and as we were watching it she could only say 'That is simply beautiful.'

True enough as we took our first bite the wonderful vanilla flooded my mouth! It was followed by the rich flavor of the chocolate cake and then the decadent chocolate lava. Yes the two chocolates tasted distinctly in my mouth, but neither one of the ice cream, the chocolate cake, and the chocolate lava ever tasted too sweet. It was either the flavors complimented each other or they struck a perfect balance. It was Damn Good.

The Gyudon! (Beef Rice Bowl)

The Service

Now famous for having long lines especially during the rush hours of lunch time and dinner time, Ooma can only list your names on queue. You will have to either wait or come back until you are called for a table.

Although there are such wait times, they are quick with preparing the table for your arrival. In fact as soon as we sat at the table we were given menus for us to play with. The waiter was patient enough to answer our questions and through careful considerations and exchanges we were able to finish our orders.

The service during our first trip to Ooma was fast. The orders started flocking in around ten to fifteen minutes after ordering, and most of the dishes came at the same time. We were flustered to which dish should we try first.

On the second visit however, It seemed to take a little longer. We had to follow-up our order around the fifteen minute mark. The dishes came right after that.

The Katsudon (deep fried pork cutlet rice bowl)

The Price

Prices start at Php 65.00 for the miso soup and can go as high as Php 995.00 for the Rib-eye. Most dishes like the set of Aburi-Makis or the Taco-Makis average on Php 245.00 to Php 345.00. These are all reasonable because of their quality and value as compared to other Japanese establishments that over similar dishes at more premium prices.

Ooma is a hot bed for high quality Japanese dishes at economical prices. I encourage you to visit as soon as possible!

September 06, 2015

In a land where entertainment is King, it is common to hear every teenager looking to become an "Artista". But becoming a star is not something you can study or work your way into, it must be written in the Stars, it must be your Destiny.

#KyleVergara or #KyleV is one teenager who might have what it takes to Stand Out in a crowded arena. Social Networking Sites such as Twitter and Facebook has been a busy talking about about #KyleV Topics and has been Trending almost everyday!

#NewMedia Star is one Title that can bestowed to an emerging star who has gained popularity considering no TV Exposure has been factored in. #TrendingPrince is officially the moniker given by the Internet Community to this 17 year old soon to be actor. A Clean Cut, Boy-Next-Door, Educated, Candy Cutie persona adds more to the overall likability of #KyleV.

The Brand #KyleV is slowly getting traction as he is now attached to Major Brands as its Product Endorser. Brands such as MyPhone, #LINKChat, Susuki Motors, Mossimo, Regatta, Flawless Skin Care, Rejuv Ginseng, OneWaySalon, Otto are some of the products that have entrusted the #KyleV Brand.

The Journey started 2 years ago when #KyleV joined a new artist management company called RED Models and Talents Manila. Considerably new that #KyleV is the 2nd Talent acquired by @IamREDPH the 1st being a Big Voice Child Wonder #KrisAngelica who recently launched her #SabiSabi Single and become Number 1 in #Spotify ! Now we are 20 in the RED Family and growing said #KyleV.

#IamREDPH is my 2nd home and I consider them as part of my family said #KyleV. A Family Oriented Culture that prioritises Character Building as its foundation for future success. A culture embedded to all #IamREDPH Talents by its Chairman and founder Mr. Richie DeQuina along with Mr. Josh Austria and Mr. Revo Eslava who is the President of the company.

#TheNextBIGStar has been the talk in the entertainment circles in the Philippines as #KyleV will be seen on TV for the 1st time as part of GMA7's reality based Artista Search #STARSTRUCK . Recent POLLs conducted by Independent groups have shown #KyleV Leading in every survey!

#KyleV in our opinion has the "IT" Factor that could give GMA7 the "Star Power" it needs to compete with the other networks which houses the Biggest Stars in the local industry. #KyleV is #AnewBreedofStar that will leverage on his popularity in the Social Media Scene and transcend to mainstream and hopefully become what we all expect him to be #TheNextBIGStar